Finals Week 1: Panthers v Warriors preview
Expect the unexpected in do-or-die affair
Looking likely to limp into the play-offs off the back of an unconvincing run of form highlighted by several last-gasp victories and consistent sub-par showings in defence, the Penrith Panthers will be full of confidence after knocking off the defending premiers away from home last Friday. Returning to Sydney to host the unpredictable Warriors at ANZ Stadium, the fifth-placed outfit will be eager to gauge their progression from recent seasons having exited in the semi finals over the past two years. Managing to get the better of Canterbury (2016) and Manly (2017) in the first week of the finals under the watch of Anthony Griffin, the unexpected move to appoint Cameron Ciraldo as interim coach may prove decisive in determining whether the Panthers are able to reach their first premiership decider since 2003 or meekly bow out with a whimper having led the competition prior to Origin. Retaining 12 players from the side that went down to Brisbane in the semi finals twelve months ago, the Panthers have been boosted by the return of Bulldogs-bound forward Corey Harawira-Naera in place of Jack Hetherington in an otherwise unchanged line-up from the team that knocked off Melbourne 22-16 last Friday.
Proving to be the greatest disappointments of the NRL era in the six seasons following their last finals appearance, the New Zealand Warriors will be hoping to make up for lost time by staking a claim for the title on Saturday evening. Coming into the play-offs off the back of consecutive wins at home, the eighth-placed outfit will be banking on the enthusiasm of numerous players featuring in their first finals series, along with the composure and experience of veterans accustomed to hitting their strides in September. Coming away with a comprehensive win over Penrith a fortnight ago in Auckland, the only other meeting between the two sides this season saw the Warriors thrashed 36-4 at the foot of the mountain by a Panthers outfit impacted by Origin representation. Opposing the Panthers for only the second time in finals history, the visitors will be hopeful of striking back after falling short of a grand final appearance in 2003, incidentally the only time prior to Saturday the two sides have met at ANZ Stadium. Fielding the bulk of the side that downed the Raiders 20-16, seasoned playmaker Blake Green has been named to return in the halves, while retiring forward Simon Mannering is expected to play despite coming off early in the second half with a sternum injury last Friday.
Last meeting: Round 24 2018 - Warriors 36 Panthers 16
Last finals meeting: Preliminary Final, 2003 - Penrith Panthers 28 New Zealand Warriors 20
Who to watch: Featuring in seven finals series, three premiership deciders and earning two grand final rings for his efforts, the wealth of experienced held by James Maloney will be invaluable as the Panthers strive to improve upon recent play-off performances. Among the most experienced players remaining in the competition, the 32-year-old will be determined to replicate Glenn Lazarus' feat of claiming three first grade titles at separate clubs having previously enjoyed success with the Roosters in 2013 and the Sharks in 2016. Renown for his ability to step up with the game on the line, the confidence instilled following last week's victory over Melbourne should provide Maloney with the perfect platform to mastermind the demise of the club that established his reputation as a match-winning playmaker at the start of the decade.
In a side that features a number of players taking part in their maiden finals series, the credentials that saw Tohu Harris identified as marquee recruit by the Warriors look set to come to the fore on Saturday evening. Having progressed through the culture of excellence developed at Melbourne culminating in last year's premiership win, the 26-year-old's big-match expertise will be invaluable in composing teammates experiencing the heightened pressure of finals football for the first time. With retiring club legend Simon Mannering unlikely to take his place in the Warriors side, Harris and fellow second rower Adam Blair will have their sights set on establishing a dominant forward platform for the likes of Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to capitalise upon.
The favourite: Despite the Warriors dominating their opponents in Auckland a fortnight ago, the confidence gained by the Panthers after winning in Melbourne has the home side favoured to set up a show down with the loser of the Roosters v Sharks qualifying final.
My tip: Having claimed bragging rights in their most recent meeting a fortnight ago, look for the Warriors to pull off a low-scoring victory built around defence in order to set up a semi final date at Allianz Stadium next weekend. Warriors by 8.
Outcome: The winner of the First Elimination Final will face the Roosters v Sharks loser next week at Allianz Stadium
